Tuesday, March 18, 2014

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA

Many folks have asked me about my position on recreational marijuana. Those who are for legalizing the drug say it will normalize use and make it unattractive to young people, because there is no risk involved in procuring it. On the opposite side are those who state that a drug is a drug and marijuana is no exception. So it should remain illegal to buy or use. For me, this is a slippery slope. In a state where it is legal, if an adult wants to have a small amount on a Friday night instead of alcohol, then so be it. The problem comes when folks over use the substance, just like alcohol. Or they need more of it to create a feeling that they want. The second challenge is keeping it from young people under the age of 25. That is the age when the brain is properly developed. So it is important for all of us to be substance free until that time. We have no Marijuana Police. In fact, we have no policies that make any sense around the drug. States are in a quandary. Legislators do not have much education on substance use and abuse. And those who want to make it legal for their own profit are professionals at marketing propaganda about marijuana and its medicinal benefits. We have no longitudinal research data on recreational marijuana use. As a professional in the field, I cannot imagine it would add any beneficial aspects to an already full life. But the jury is out. I suggest we get organized before letting this horse out of the barn.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you! For one, I am all for the legalization of drugs. With that said, I get upset when people say “marijuana is not addictive.” It is addictive, just like fast food, exercise, sex, etc…
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Unknown said...

you don’t have to work for the high, unlike the others (yes, even with fast food you have to get into your car and drive to McDonalds). People get use to the “easy” high, and thus depend on marijuana to give them that.
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Unknown said...

I think legalization of such kind of things will lead to increase the addiction level and will lead to more requirement of drug and alcohol treatment centers. The chances of getting addicted are high and will become more worse if marijuana is legalized.

Rose Maria said...

why do people do highly dangerous and extremely addictive drugs such as marijuana and meth?

druggies realize that by doing drugs like marijuana they are destroying their brain cells right?
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harrytommy said...

Great article it was such an interesting and informative article.
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